Designed and built following the principles of environmentally 
sustainable development, Al Maha has been at the forefront of 
conservation-based hospitality in the Middle East, for over 10 years. 
The resort was designed to recreate a Bedouin encampment spread across 
the vast dunes, featuring 42 secluded suites with tented roofs, 
floor-to-ceiling windows, marbled bathrooms, private deck and pool.

"A pioneer in the area of luxury conservation-based hospitality in the 
Middle East, Al Maha will be a valuable addition to The Luxury 
Collection," said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, 
Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group. "As a leading 
hotel management group, Starwood's Luxury Collection brand represents 
some of the finest properties across the world, and with their extensive 
network, global infrastructure and history of successful brand 
management, we are confident that they will take Al Maha to even greater 
heights."

"We are delighted to take over the management of the Al Maha Resort, 
extending our long-standing relationship with the Emirates Group and 
adding a spectacular hotel to the Luxury Collection portfolio in Dubai," 
stated Roeland Vos, President of Starwood, Europe, Africa & Middle East. 
"The addition of the Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa is symbolic of our 
continued focus to grow our portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts in 
the Middle East."

Al Maha rests within the 225-square kilometre Dubai Desert Conservation 
Reserve (DDCR) one of the largest formally protected conservation 
reserves in the Gulf and is internationally recognised. The DDCR will 
continue to be sponsored and managed by Emirates. Al Maha was lauded for 
its efforts by the World Travel & Tourism Council earlier this year and 
was identified as the region's leading sustainable eco-tourism 
development by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Surrounded by some of the region's most spectacular landscape, rich with 
protected wildlife and filled with experiences of traditional Bedouin 
pastimes, Al Maha offers a sophisticated, yet simple and serene 
experience to its guests. Sunset camel rides, desert safaris, wildlife 
drives, horse-riding and falconry are all part of the unique indigenous 
experience at the resort as well as soothing massage treatments at its 
spa with an infinity pool overlooking the sands, scrub and mountains.

A discrete suite of meeting rooms is available for small boardroom and 
executive conferences and the resort has been acclaimed as the ultimate 
incentive destination.

In addition, the Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa has taken on the mantle of 
a cultural treasure trove. Its initial collection of Arab antiques, 
artefacts and artworks acquired to fuel the Arabic experience in suites 
and public areas now expanded to more than 2,000 pieces covering 
carpets, tents, jewellery, brass coffee pots, camel bags and saddles as 
well as specially commissioned wildlife paintings.

The Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa is Starwood's second Luxury Collection 
hotel in the UAE, joining the iconic Grosvenor House Dubai, and third in 
the Middle East. Starwood Hotels & Resorts currently operates more than 
50 hotels in the Middle East across eight of its nine brands.

http://www.al-maha.com/